Scotland is a beautiful country that draws millions of tourists every year with its lures, like its lochs and glens, alongside its castles, culture, and whisky. It’s like stepping into a tartan-clad fairytale. Edinburgh and Glasgow are there for city lovers, offering unique cultural experiences from arts and festivals to sporting events and museums. For those craving the countryside or slower styles of living, the remote islands and winding country roads will beckon to you - along with Highland cows that never fail to charm locals and tourists.
With lochs, Highlands, and islands to travel to and through, you’ll want to consider all your options for getting around Scotland. You might want to mix and match options or choose one and stick to it; regardless, these are the seven best ways to get around in Scotland.
Driving through Scotland is one of the best ways to experience the country. It allows you to move at your own pace and see the things that may not be accessible by public transit. You’ll be able to journey through stunning roadwayslike the North Coast 500 in Inverness and loop around the famous Isle of Skye. Be sure to book any accommodations in advance, as accommodations along major routes often have restrictions. For instance, some require that you book at least two nights during peak season, so it’s best to plan ahead of time to avoid being surprised by rules like these. If you can’t bring your own car, you can easily rent a car upon arriving in the country as long as you’re over 21. If you’re sticking to a budget, rent one in town rather than the airport, as rental locations in town typically have lower rates. If you’re travelling to Scotland from outside the UK, your driver’s license is valid for up to 12 months after your arrival date. You might want to set aside time to review the road rules before departing.
If you don’t drive or would rather have the freedom to take in the scenery and give yourself time for other activities, taking the train is a wonderful option for getting around in Scotland. You’ll be able to reach destinations and work, read, sleep, or even take advantage of the country’s online gaming scene, where the more you play, the more you enhance your chances of winning. Trains serve the country’s larger cities and towns, allowing you to get to popular places like Glasgow and Edinburgh and then switch to other transportation options if needed. Several of the train lines found in Scotland are considered among the most scenic in the world, including the West Highland Line and the Inverness-to-Kyle of Lochalsh line, making this mode of travel practical and enjoyable. You might even recognise a stretch of railway, the Glenfinnan Viaduct, from the Harry Potter films. There are a variety of rail passes or ticket types you can use to save money or to make it easier to transfer to different trains. These are especially useful for longer trips.
From buses that take commuters through cities and towns to those that cover great distances, Scotland’s bus system is comprehensive, making it a useful way to get around the country. Many buses within cities and towns follow commuter hours and needs, so you’ll want to familiarise yourself with schedules, particularly if you plan to visit more remote sites during your travels.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-plan trip, you could also opt to join tour bus groups, like The Wee Red Bus Tours, which go through the country’s major tourist sites. In some cases, these span days, allowing you to truly spend time seeing the country and getting to know its character. If you’re looking for a quick and convenient way to get around cities, ride-shares or taxis are always great go-tos. You’ll find ride-share options like Uber as well as cabs or taxis. Of course, these aren’t ideal for longer journeys, but they’re perfect for a day or night out.
With many islands and lochs, Scotland’s ferries are a great way to get to different parts of the country. And for tourists, there are many touring ferries or boats that will take passengers to key places through the region’s famed lochs. If you’re renting or using your car during your travels, many ferries can also accommodate you and your vehicle. Be sure to look ahead for schedules, so you don’t miss out on sites or get stranded.
Those passionate about cycling might consider biking to tour the country—it’s a wonderful way to travel, take in the scenic regions, be more eco-friendly, and enjoy an endorphin boost from the exercise. The country has many trails and paths for cyclists, making it easy to hop on a bike (whether you rent one or bring your own) and see sites like famous abbeys and castles. There are even cycling paths connecting cities through the National Cycle Network, so you’re not limited to one region or place with your bike. You can safely bike to different destinations across the country. Most ferries even allow you to bring along a bike at no extra charge, putting all of Scotland at your disposal.
If you’re really daring and have the physical capacity, you could even walk across Scotland to see the country’s highlights. There are plenty of pre-established walking routes, and you can even join a group or book a personalised walking experience through services like Walk Across Scotland. These will help you start on your journey independently or with a walking group—whichever way appeals to you the most. These seven options will get you from point A to point B and back again if needed, as you travel through the different regions of Scotland. The best option may vary depending on what you hope to get from your travels through Scotland and your budget and schedule, but whatever you choose, you’ll be sure to charmed by what you discover along the way.